UEFA Women's Nations League B play-off first leg
Montenegro 0-2 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland ground out a 2-0 win over Montenegro in the first leg of their Women's Nations League play-off in Podgorica.
Tanya Oxtoby's side finished third in their group of the inaugural tournament and are aiming to retain a place in League B.
After being frustrated for large spells by the hosts, who finished as runners-up in Group C3, Lauren Wade finally made the breakthrough with 20 minutes left and Demi Vance nodded in a second during stoppage time to leave Northern Ireland in a strong position for the return leg at Windsor Park on 27 February.
Montenegro forward Armisa Kuc had headed over from a corner in the opening minutes before Northern Ireland slowly took control at the Gradski Stadion.
Reading forward Wade went close in the 13th minute when her angled left-foot shot was dragged just wide following a swift counter attack.
After a long spell in defensive mode, Montenegro threatened just before the break when Kuc's dipping shot tested Northern Ireland goalkeeper Maddy Harvey-Clifford.
Northern Ireland started the second half brightly, with Wade's low shot from the edge of the penalty area well saved by Montenegro keeper Anastasija Krstovic, who then pushed Vance's long-range effort behind.
The breakthrough finally came with 20 minutes left when Wade headed in a deep cross from Vance out on the left.
In stoppage time, Glentoran defender Vance added what could prove a crucial second goal, nodding in a cross from Rebecca McKenna.
Watch Italy v Republic of Ireland in an international friendly on Friday from 5.10pm live on the RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
Follow the RTÉ Sport WhatsApp channel for the best news, interviews, analysis and features, as well as details of our sports coverage across all RTÉ platforms.
